Everybody knows about Walt Disney World, Sea World Orlando, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens, the ever popular major entertainment parks which continue to attract the majority of Florida holiday makers. However, savvy travelers know that Florida offers a lot more than just a collection of family theme parks. The parks, both the major ones and the second tier, less well known establishments, share the state with numerous superb natural attractions such as the Everglades, the Florida Keys and the Gulf Islands. These destinations have been attracting visitors for many generations.
The state offers a wonderful mix of superb locations, each one providing unique opportunities to soak up the local history, enjoy some incredible golf and take advantage of beach and family vacations that cater to all tastes and interests.
** Florida Golf Vacations
An unrivalled golf vacation on the manicured greens of some of Florida's leading courses is a powerful magnet for any serious golfer. A mix of over 1100 public and private membership golf courses throughout the state cater to all skill levels. Given the enormous popularity of golf throughout the state, it's only natural that golf vacation packages are available to suit all tastes and budgets.
Most of the major courses are available via resort and vacation packages that incorporate an agreed number of rounds of golf combined with resort accommodation and access to the resort's guest facilities.
** Florida Beach Vacations
A Florida beach vacation is all about relaxing on the squeaky, fine powder sands, basking in the sunny warmth, cooling off in the clear waters and enjoying the relaxed Florida lifestyle. This unique peninsula offers numerous, very popular, vacation destinations along the 1100 miles (1760km) of waterfront shoreline. Both the east coast, west coast and panhandle region have numerous white sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Nearly all of the best destinations for Florida beach vacations are available throughout the year. Snorkeling in the clear pristine waters, reliving Florida's history, birdwatching, surfing, sailing, shelling, collecting sharks teeth, hunting for treasure or just enjoying a romantic getaway are all part of the beach experience. You can be sure that Florida has a beach that's perfect for you.
** Florida Family Vacations
Family vacations are available throughout Florida to suit every taste and budget. It's easy to understand why family vacations in Florida are the preferred choice for both visitors from overseas and USA families. There is always something to do or places to visit, the lifestyle is relaxed, the prices are sensible and the locals are friendly and hospitable.
While some visitors come for the unique interaction of swimming with dolphins, others may wish to experience the preserved Florida heritage and history and others may be boarding their Caribbean cruise from one of the Florida ports. Florida is driver friendly with an excellent road network and numerous RV parks. For the visitor wanting to see the best that Florida has to offer, a Florida driving vacation is highly recommended. Overseas visitors need not be worried about driving in Florida as the state has a good network of well sign-posted highways and the local drivers are both courteous and well behaved.
It's not by accident that Florida is the 3rd most popular USA vacation choice after Las Vegas and New York. It truly is a wonderful destination for all ages, all tastes and all budgets.
Copyright (c) 2008 Terry Hely
Last Minute Florida Vacations
The kids have finally broken you down and youve agreed on that family vacation getaway to Florida. Theyre excited. They want to go to Orlando, and youre fairly certain that if you hear one more thing about Goofy or Micky your head is going to explode. Whats a poor mom or dad to do? While its true that Disney World is one of the premier family vacation getaways in Florida, it is by no means the only fun place to be.
The Orlando/Kissimmee area boasts a plentiful array of family vacation getaways. In fact, Kissimmee can be considered the laid-back, historic alternative to Orlando. Residents of Kissimmee have gone to great lengths to keep the hometown charm that the area is noted for. While there are some water parks and resorts, attractions such as Old Town, rodeos, horseback riding and a petting farm make it a wonderful family vacation getaway.
Other towns in the area which are ideal family vacation getaways include: Mount Dora, perfect for biking trips; Polk City, for the family of aircraft enthusiasts; and Sanford, home of the Central Florida Zoological Park.
Further south lies Palm Beach County. Yes, thats right; I did say Palm Beach. I know what youre thinking. Palm Beach and family vacation getaways dont go hand in hand. Thats where youre wrong. You just have to know where to look. West Palm Beach is perfect for that family vacation getaway, thanks to destinations such as the Norton Museum of Art and the Lion Country Safari, where visitors can see lions, giraffes, and a host of other animals, running free.
As you travel further north, you can give your kids the perfect opportunity to use their family vacation getaway to learn about the environment, by visiting the Loggerhead Park and The Marine Life Center in Juno. Here they can be taught about turtles and go on turtle walks.
Were not done yet. Welcome to the Florida Keys, the perfect destination for putting a little more excitement in your family vacation getaway. Certainly I wouldnt suggest you take your children diving, unless theyre accustomed to that sort of thing, but you can definitely visit Islamorada. Theyll love their family vacation getaway when they get to interact one-on-one with dolphins and sea lions. Youll also have the chance to feed the giant tarpon that gather around the docks. Now how many people can say they had a chance to do that on their family vacation getaway? So you see? Disney World isnt the only option for your family vacation getaway.
Both Terry Hely & Jim Grayson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Terry Hely has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Travel, Travel Insurance and Family Travel. Terry is an experienced traveler and author of several highly regarded, content rich travel destination guides. This article is an excerpt from his
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